However, once these signs are present, there’s typically already been a great deal of kidney damage. Fortunately, new advances in the veterinary world are making it easier to find kidney disease in dogs earlier (even without signs being present).

Learn more about kidney disease in dogs:Since kidney disease impacts so many dogs and early detection is so critical, it’s a great idea for any dog parent to learn and know everything you can about the disease. We’ve included some in-depth articles about kidney disease in dogs and additional tools below, as well as tips for helping keep your dog’s kidneys as healthy as possible for the long-haul:

The IDEXX SDMA™ test is a breakthrough new blood test that not only screens for kidney disease, but can detect this devastating disease months to years earlier than previously possible.3[Editor’s Note: IDEXX Laboratories is the parent company of Pet Health Network.]

There’s much more to learn about chronic kidney disease if you want to protect your dog, and having this knowledge is step one in the fight against a disease that has claimed far too many lives. Check out the resources below, and ask your veterinarian what you can be doing to keep your dog healthier, happier and in your life for longer.

A new test is available to help detect kidney disease earlier, ask your veterinarian about the new IDEXX SDMA test.